There is new research coming out all the time on what makes for a healthy life, as well as more information on what constitutes a wellness lifestyle. Here are five ideas that you can implement today that will make a difference in your overall health and happiness. Experiment by trying one a day for the next five days and notice the difference it makes for you. I guarantee that incorporating even one of these will benefit you – your energy, wellbeing and mood!
1. Get outside. We all know that regular exercise can help you live longer, look better and have more energy. It will help you manage your weight, increase your stamina, and keep you happier and smarter. It will lower your risk of disease, keep you strong and help you sleep better. A growing body of research also shows that outdoor activity can benefit you both physically and psychologically. Studies show that working out in nature — removed from the typical stressors of daily life — boosts mood and lowers tension, anxiety and stress levels. Spring is here, so take advantage of the change in weather – take your workouts outside to enjoy these benefits.
2. Meditate. Science is zeroing in on what eastern philosophies such as yoga have known for centuries – meditation can provide physical and biological benefits that can stave off stress and disease. Stress-induced conditions such as hypertension, infertility, depression, anxiety, even the aging process – all can benefit. Far from being a mysterious or esoteric practice, the kinds of things that occur during meditation produce beneficial effects throughout the body, not just in the brain. Even a short period of meditation combined with breathing techniques can be beneficial. There are lots of good basic books on beginning a meditation practice, as well as introductory classes in most communities. It can help you to be happier and healthier. Why not give it a go?
3. Eat clean. This isn’t about a diet; it’s about how you eat. What does eating clean mean? For starters, it’s about eating food in its most natural state, or as close to it as one can. Think fresh or steamed vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains. If your budget allows, choose organic when possible. It’s also about avoiding processed and refined foods such as white flour, sugar, and breads. Anything high in saturated and trans fats, anything fried, high in sugar, or highly processed is not a clean food. Lots of water. Easy-peasy.
4. Sleep. In today’s fast-paced world, getting a good night’s sleep sometimes falls by the wayside in favor of keeping up with all the to-do’s on our list. Yet, getting a good night’s sleep is critical to health and well-being. Lack of sleep can impact our metabolism function, in turn contributing to weight gain, as well as our immune systems, mood, memory, learning, and other vital functions. Studies show that getting inadequate sleep puts us at greater risk for a variety of diseases and health problems. We usually know what we need to feel at our best – the recommended range is 7 to 9 hours per night, and can vary from one person to the next. The bottom line – sleep matters and needs to be as much of a priority as nutrition and exercise if we want to function at our best.
5. Connect. Studies show that people with a healthy social community have nearly a 50 percent greater likelihood of survival than people without. Having a healthy community of support in family, friends and peers helps foster a sense of belonging, helps in coping with stress, increases your sense of self-worth, and an increased feeling of security. One of my favorite quotes is by the late Chris Peterson, a renowned psychologist and leader in the positive psychology movement: “Other people matter. Period.”